Tai Tuivasa

Fighter Facts

• Pro since 2012
   
• 12 wins by first round knockout
   
• 14 wins by KO
   
• On five-fight winning streak (all knockouts)
   
• Five wins in 49 seconds or less
   
• Had 5-2 (3 KOs) pro boxing record

UFC History

UFC 271 (2/12/22) Tuivasa knocked out Derrick Lewis at 1:40 of the second round
UFC 269 (12/11/21) Tuivasa knocked out Augusto Sakai at :26 of the second round
UFC 264 (7/10/21) Tuivasa knocked out Greg Hardy at 1:07 of the first round
UFC on ESPN (3/20/21) Tuivasa stopped Harry Hunsucker via strikes at :49 of the first round
UFC 254 (10/24/20) Tuivasa knocked out Stefan Struve at 4:59 of the first round
UFC 243 (10/6/19) Tuivasa was submitted by Serghei Spivac via arm triangle choke at 3:14 of the second round
UFC 238 (6/8/19) Tuivasa lost a three round unanimous decision to Blagoy Ivanov
UFC Fight Night (12/2/18) Tuivasa was stopped by Junior Dos Santos via strikes at 2:30 of the second round
UFC 225 (6/9/18) Tuivasa won a three round unanimous decision over Andrei Arlovski
UFC 221 (2/11/18) Tuivasa stopped Cyril Asker via strikes at 2:18 of the first round
UFC Fight Night (11/19/17) Tuivasa knocked out Rashad Coulter at 4:35 of the first round

Q&A

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started when I was 17 years of age and I had my first fight at 17. I always loved fighting, so I thought I’d start it professionally instead of getting into trouble fighting elsewhere.
What ranks and titles have you held? Think I’m ranked 1 in Aus and NZ outside of UFC and I hold a Gladiators belt as well as the AFC heavyweight belt.
Do you have any heroes? I wouldn’t say heroes, but for sure there are people that inspire me.
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means a lot to myself, my family and my area - three big things that mean a lot to me. It is giving me a massive platform to build a good future for me and my own little family. 
What was your job before you started fighting? I’m a social worker. I work with elderly and disabled indigenous people. I don’t really consider it a job, more something I enjoy. 
Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Had one amateur fight then went pro. 
Favorite grappling technique: Get up  
Favorite Striking technique: Punch face